Outlook: The defending ECC tournament champion, East Lyme (19-5) has very few players with varsity experience, having lost all-league picks Pete Gonski (P), Chase Livingston (C) and Zach Kane (SS) to graduation. Pitching depth and athleticism will be keys to getting off to a good start, Biggs said.

Outlook: After losing eight of nine starters from last season's Class L state championship team, the Falcons (24-4) will need a new core of players to continue to develop as the season progresses. With hard work, they will have a chance to compete in the Large Division. Hill was an All-ECC Large pick for Fitch, which shared the division title and reached the finals of the league tournament before topping New Canaan 6-4 for the state championship. Aldrich and Davila, meanwhile, were All-ECC Small Division picks last season at St. Bernard before transferring.

Outlook: After going 10-10 in the regular season (3-7 ECC Large), the Whalers put together a solid run in the Class L tournament, winning two games before losing 1-0 to RHAM in the quarterfinals to finish 12-11. The Whalers don't have much varsity experience, but Wheeler has a solid group of newcomers. Vincent will anchor a pitching staff that should include Edwards, Santos and White. Diaz batted over .400 last season and stole 25 bases.

Outlook: The Wildcats (7-13) return several key players from a young 2012 team. Pitching depth should be the strength for this team along with solid catching. A new competitive focus in practice, quality at-bats and a commitment to improve every day will make for an exciting season.

Outlook: The Lancers (19-5) will have a huge hole left by the loss of catcher James Annello and pitcher Nolan Long, two Class L all-state players. An inexperienced pitching staff will have to develop and, offensively, returning players will need to improve on last year's performances and underclassmen must compete for Lancers to score runs.

Outlook: Ledyard missed the state tournament by one win last season, finishing 7-13. But the Colonels were just 1-9 in the Medium Division and will look to improve on that, says Kilpatrick, behind an experienced pitching staff and improved defense. Turner was an ECC all-star last season.

Outlook: Montville graduated the players who accounted for 65.3 percent of its innings pitched and 68.4 percent of its plate appearances last year when the Indians went 18-2 in the regular season and won the ECC Medium Division. "Many players that have 'waited their turn,' to contribute, now have the opportunity," Orbe said. Haas (.375, 30 runs, 30 RBI) and Volpe (.384) both had breakout seasons offensively last year, however, and Orbe likes the trio of Robbins (3-0, 20 strikeouts), Brachas (0.40 ERA) and Walmsley on the mound.

Outlook: Domnarski was an All-ECC pick in the outfield last season and, a left-hander who pitched a team-high 49 innings with 54 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA, will also serve as the ace of the Bears' staff. The rest of the rotation will be new, but Grace says early signs point to the staff being competitive as Stonington tries to improve on last year's 12-11 mark. Coan, Domnarski and Kelley are experienced hitters.

Outlook: St. Bernard, 16-8 last year with a trip to the Class S quarterfinals, lacks varsity experience this season, although Rivera said things are looking better every day. What the Saints do have is pitching, including Rios, a left-hander who earlier this year committed to play for the University of Maryland after striking out 169 over his first two seasons. Harper and Rios captain the team, which tied for the Small Division title in 2012 with Lyman Memorial.

Outlook: Grasso Tech's goal is to return to the state tournament and make some noise in its conference tournament. Flores is expecting a big year from Pelland behind the plate and Cespedes on the mound.

Outlook: Hosking, Smith and Lahm are the top three pitchers while Watson returns at catcher. With seven seniors and three juniors, it is time for the Blues to consistently perform and attempt to win the CISAC and SENE championships.